embedded systems news and information

Menu

Microchip Technology released the next generation SMSC JukeBlox Wi-Fi connectivity platform. The product includes the JukeBlox 3.1-AAP Software Development Kit (SDK) and the new CX875 Wi-Fi Network Media Module. Samples of the CX875 with JB3.1-AAP are available now. Production orders will be accepted in December 2012. Production pricing for the CX875 with JB3.1-AAP is $15.50 each (in quantities of 25,000 units per year).

The JukeBlox platform offers highly integrated and specialized connectivity software along with a cost-optimized and fully certified CX875 Wi-Fi module. It features the new, low-cost DM875 Network Media Processor and 8 MB of SDRAM. The platform can reduce BOM costs by up to 20%. The JukeBlox platform enables a new category of AirPlay compatible wireless audio streaming systems with retail pricing down to $149.

Enhancements to Microchip’s JB Connect simplified Wi-Fi network setup technology, along with the easy network setup features in Apple’s iOS, make this JukeBlox technology expansion the easiest and most user-friendly solution for designing AirPlay products to date. The easy setup, in conjunction with improvements to Wi-Fi performance and system boot-up times, makes Wi-Fi streaming even more robust and improves the overall user experience. JukeBlox seamlessly supports the new iOS 6 and iPhone 5.

SMSC JukeBlox Wi-Fi Connectivity Platform

CX875 Wi-Fi Network Media Module
The module is based on the new, low-cost SMSC DM875 Wi-Fi Network Media Processor. The triple-core processor includes an integrated DSP and, with the new JB DSP 2.0 software, can provide added digital-signal-processing performance for enhanced audio capabilities. Refinements to the JB Fast Boot feature typically reduce boot-up times from a full power-down state to “ready and connected” within 5-10 seconds. The complete Wi-Fi certified module solution enables lower-risk development, easier manufacturing and faster time to market, via the combination of a fully integrated Wi-Fi and RF subsystem, and many industry-standard pre-certifications.

JB3.1-AAP SDK Software
The SDK will also run on the current CX870 series modules, as well as on the previously announced Manufacturing Kit 2 (MK2), which is a fully integrated, low-cost Wi-Fi speaker dock reference-design platform. The comprehensive JB3.1-AAP SDK offers improved application programming interfaces (APIs), along with tools to simplify product development and customization efforts. Many of the new JB3.1 features can be leveraged via software changes, further extending customer investments in existing product platforms. The SDK offers core libraries that address higher software layers, middleware for media streaming, content access, navigation and system control, configuration files for remote-control functions and more.